The welfare state and inequality: were the UK reforms of the 1940s a success?

Abstract

Abstract This commentary reviews reforms made to the welfare state made in the 1940s by the UK. It also considers education, health and income inequalities in the light of these reforms. The evidence points to more equal access to health care and a reduction in income inequality, especially through a lower share for top incomes. Greater income equality was not, however, mainly a result of redistributive policies. The Beveridge Report was an unsatisfactory blueprint for a social security system, and it did not achieve its objectives of providing adequate benefits while ending means testing. Poverty was reduced but not abolished.